With the possibility of trading for a new quarterback looming, the Cardinals parted on Monday with one of their existing ones.

The team released John Skelton, who started 17 games in three seasons with the team. That move could foreshadow the acquisition of Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer, a possible trade the Cardinals have been pursuing since last weekend.

"C'est la vie. Had some good times in AZ along with more than a few bad. On to the next endeavor," Skelton tweeted after his release on Monday.

Palmer, 33, would become the Cardinals starter, provided the deal can be pulled off, with Drew Stanton as the backup.

The trade is expected to involve draft picks, with the Cardinals sending a mid-to late-round pick to Oakland for Palmer, and perhaps a late-round pick return.

Acquiring Palmer is not a simple transaction. He became available only after he rejected a pay cut from the Raiders, who then traded for Seattle quarterback Matt Flynn.

Before trading for Palmer, the Cardinals had to be assured he was willing to take less than the $13 million he was due this season. USA Today is reporting that Palmer's new deal in Arizona would be worth about $8 million this season.

So far this off-season, the Cardinals have acquired two new quarterbacks: Palmer and Stanton. A third could come via the draft later this month.

A year ago, Skelton was viewed as pershaps the team's long-term answer at quarterback. In 2011, he went 5-2 as a starter and led four fourth-quarter comebacks.

He won the starting job over Kevin Kolb in training camp last season, but struggled throughout 2012.

Over three seasons, Skelton completed 53.2 percent of his passes with 15 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.